Current:Home > FinanceRock legend Greg Kihn, known for 'The Breakup Song' and 'Jeopardy,' dies of Alzheimer's -ChatGPT 說:
Rock legend Greg Kihn, known for 'The Breakup Song' and 'Jeopardy,' dies of Alzheimer's
View
Date:2025-04-18 22:38:58
Rock singer Greg Kihn, known for beloved hits like "Jeopardy" and "The Breakup Song," has died. He was 75.
The "Greg Kihn Band" frontman's death on Tuesday comes after a tragic battle with Alzheimer’s disease, according to a Thursday eulogy written by friend Skyler Turtle, who works on Kihn's management team. Kihn's family chose not to disclose the location of his death.
The Baltimore native was a cultural phenomenon whose international, multi-generational appeal was driven by his "magnetic stage presence and unique storytelling," the eulogy said.
"With a unique songwriting style that blended folk, classic rock, blues and pop, his sound helped define a rich musical legacy in the San Francisco Bay Area scene," the eulogy said. "Rest in peace, dear Greg. Your music, your voice, your stories, your spirit and your passion will forever echo in our hearts and inspire countless souls. Rock Kihn Roll Forever!"
Radio DJ and author by day, rock singer by night
Kihn pursued a music career when he moved to San Francisco in the early 1970s, eventually achieved global fame by the 1980s with an award-winning discography and several world tours.
Need a break? Play the USA TODAY Daily Crossword Puzzle.
In 1981, Kihn dropped his staple track, "The Breakup Song," off his sixth album, "Rockihnroll," peaking at No. 15 on the Billboard Hot 100. The following year he dropped "Jeopardy" off his "Kihnspiracy" record, which reached a No. 2 spot on the Billboard chart. The tune's popularity was boosted soon enough when parodied by "Weird Al" Yankovic in "I Lost on Jeopardy."
In addition being a gifted performer, Kihn lent his charisma and passion to a multi-layered career as a pioneer for the San Francisco Bay Area-based label Beserkley Records. He also was a morning radio host for KFOX from 1996 to 2012 and the author of several horror novels, including Bram Stoker Award nominee "Horror Show."
"He was celebrated not only for his musical genius, but also for his ability to connect deeply with fans through powerful lyrics and unforgettable storytelling," the eulogy. "Greg related to and captivated his audiences with real world issues and hysterical tales from his Rock Star escapades."
Other endeavors include his role as a philanthropist, urging listeners to donate to Operation Care and Comfort, a San Jose non-profit raising money for veterans.
Family urges fans to donate to The Alzheimer’s Association
Kihn's family, which includes his wife Jay Arafiles-Kihn, son Ryan Kihn, and daughter Alexis Harrington-Kihn, are asking people to make donations in his name to the Alzheimer’s Association instead of sending flowers.
The family will hold a private memorial service to celebrate Kihn's life and impact.
"Friends and family remember him not just as a rock star, but as a warm-hearted individual who brought joy and inspiration to everyone he encountered," the eulogy said.
veryGood! (49124)
Related
- Bill Belichick's salary at North Carolina: School releases football coach's contract details
- Carlee Russell apologizes to Alabama community, says there was no kidnapping
- Chase Chrisley and Fiancée Emmy Medders Break Up 9 Months After Engagement
- National monument honoring Emmett Till to consist of 3 sites in Illinois and Mississippi
- Global Warming Set the Stage for Los Angeles Fires
- Theophilus London's family files a missing persons report for the rapper
- Arkansas Treasurer Mark Lowery leaving office in September after strokes
- The fantasia of Angelo Badalamenti, veil-piercing composer
- EU countries double down on a halt to Syrian asylum claims but will not yet send people back
- A play about censorship is censored — and free speech groups are fighting back
Ranking
- EU countries double down on a halt to Syrian asylum claims but will not yet send people back
- Greta Gerwig Reveals the Story Behind Barbie's “Mic Drop” Ending
- In TV interview, Prince Harry says his book is a bid to 'own my story'
- Carlee Russell apologizes to Alabama community, says there was no kidnapping
- The city of Chicago is ordered to pay nearly $80M for a police chase that killed a 10
- Trumpeter Ibrahim Maalouf steps out of his comfort zone with 'Capacity to Love'
- Work from home as a drive-thru employee? How remote blue-collar jobs are catching on
- RHOA's NeNe Leakes Addresses Son Bryson's Fentanyl Arrest and Drug Addiction Struggles
Recommendation
Why we love Bear Pond Books, a ski town bookstore with a French bulldog 'Staff Pup'
Elon Musk says new Twitter logo to change from bird toX as soon as Monday
Poetry academy announces more than $1 million in grants for U.S. laureates
Banc of California to buy troubled PacWest Bancorp, which came close to failing earlier this year
See you latte: Starbucks plans to cut 30% of its menu
3 found dead in car at North Carolina gas station are identified as Marines stationed nearby
After human remains were found in suitcases in Delray Beach, police ask residents for help
Athletic trainers save lives. But an alarming number of high schools don't employ them